Every year, our Car Confections Team gets behind the wheels of hundreds of cars, from every size and price point, to make reviews for the channel. So, we wanted to jot down our Top Picks for each of the segments we spend time in. Today, we will be sharing our Top 10 Sub-Compact SUVs for 2024. For an in-depth video about each, be sure to head to the video linked at the bottom of this article!

Scoring Criteria

As the opinions of two brothers with no kids can differ from those of others in the market for a car, we have developed multiple categories that we feel shoppers prioritize in shopping for a Compact SUV. The categories are as follows:

  1. Luxury Features- Unexpected, nice features for the class?
  2. Powertrain Choices- Power, performance, hybrid offerings
  3. Drive Experience- Dynamics, ride quality
  4. Cargo Space- Is it spacious?
  5. Rear Seats- Specs and features
  6. Technology- Quality, quantity, ease of use, advanced tech
  7. Active Safety Features- Are they all standard? Advanced options.
  8. Reliability and Resale- How does it stack up?
  9. Value Under $30k- *Values Doubled* in this segment!

Each of the categories will be rated on a 1–5-point scale, and winners will be determined by adding each category up for a final score. Ties will be broken by our professional opinions of each model.

Also, if you’re interested in buying any of the models we mention today, we have a tool on the website that you will want to check out. Click here for our too that will connect you to local dealerships to get the best price and give you access to invoice pricing. With that being said, let’s get into the countdown!

Score Card Subcompacts

#10: Volkswagen Taos – 34 Points

The only German recipient on this list, the Taos does a good job at representing the Germans! Taos is a large offering for the segment that resembles an Audi Q3, both in looks and in luxury. But, you will have to pay for that luxury and be left with a less desirable powertrain.

Taos Score

#9: Chevy Trailblazer – 34 Points

Out of the multiple GM offerings for this segment, the Chevy Trailblazer falls in the number 9 spot. Though the Trailblazer offers good space for the segment, with a boxy design, it can quickly get up there in pricing, and without the luxury that its Buick counterpart offers.

Trailblazer Score

#8: Buick Envista – 35 Points

The new, Lamborghini Urus-like Buick Envista shoots into 8th place for its value and style! Though the sportiest looking of the pack, its sloped roofline sacrifices space, and the Envista is stuck with only one powertrain option.

Envista Score

#7: Buick Encore GX – 36 Points

The bigger brother to the Envista, the Buick Encore GX, sits in 7th place for offering more space, options, and luxury above the Envista, though you will have to pay for it once again. The Encore offers great luxury in the segment and has available AWD as well.

Encore GX Score

#6: Subaru Crosstrek – 36 Points

The stylish Subaru Crosstrek is a strong player in the segment, especially after its recent refresh, to update its style and technology. Though we hope to see one in the future, the Crosstrek still doesn’t offer a Hybrid, and it is on the smaller side overall.

Crosstrek Score

#5: Toyota Corolla Cross – 36 Points

As Toyota seems to be successful with any product they make, the Corolla Cross has already established itself as a major player in the segment. With both gas and hybrid models, good tech, and comparable space, this Corolla Cross is a very hearty option. But, on the upper trims, you will be hard pressed to get a value-oriented option.

Corolla Cross Score

#4: Mazda CX-30 – 36 Points

Perhaps the most exciting option in this segment is the Mazda CX-30, with its available Turbo engine and top-tier luxury for this segment, at all price points! However, the CX-30 can handle backroads better than it can extra cargo, so occupants may be hard-pressed for space and newer technology.

CX-30 Score

#3: Chevy Trax – 36 Points

Entering the top 3, value is truly the name of the game for these main players for the Sub-Compacts! The redesigned Chevy Trax offers incredible amounts of style, tech, and features for the price, being fully loaded just around $30k. But, you do lose certain options for that price, such as AWD and a more powerful engine.

Trax Score

#2: Hyundai Kona – 37 Points

The very bold Hyundai Kona is sitting in 2nd place for a good set of reasons! With multiple powertrains, styling options, and many luxury features to complement its space, the Kona truly brings a lot to the game. Though, resale and reliability is lower for the likes of an Asian Manufacturer.

Kona Score

#1: Kia Seltos – 38 Points

Our 1st place winner in the Sub-Compact segment this year falls to the Kia Seltos! This stylish offering really does it all when it comes to space, value, powertrains, and technology, setting itself apart from the pack for the price. If we could change anything, we wish Kia would add more standard safety and update the Seltos to the new ccNC infotainment.

Seltos Score

Close Calls for a value packed segment!

As you can see, the point values over 9 categories create many close calls, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. As far as our personal picks, Drew and Josh lean towards the Mazda CX-30, and Mason would choose the value packed Chevy Trax. With car prices being so high nowadays, it’s a breath of fresh air to see some value packed options!

Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Top 10 Sub-Compact SUVs of 2024! Let us know in the comments which one you would choose and be sure to check out the associated video below, as well as our individual reviews for each vehicle located on the YouTube Channel. We hope this helps in your journey to purchase a new vehicle!